Getting to the top of a mountain and back isn’t a walk in the park. It requires preparation. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here, you’ll find the best gear for winter hiking and some winter hiking tips to keep in mind when you decide to abandon the comfort of your couch for the icy playgrounds of your local hiking trails and backcountry.
Winter Hiking Essentials
Whether you’re new to cold-weather hiking and someone who’s been around the block (or up the hill) a few times, understanding the essentials is—essential. From jackets to boots, bags to poles, we’ve got the gear and tips to help you conquer the mountain.
Clothing Layers
When hiking, you need three layers. Your base layer, worn against the skin, helps keep you dry when you sweat (and you will, no matter how cold). Merino is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities.
Your mid-layer comes next. It will provide most of the heat and is usually the thickest of the three layers. There are several choices when it comes to mid-layers, and our fleece, down, or merino midlayer guide can lead you in the right direction.
The final layer, the outer shell, keeps all the elements at bay. You’ll want something waterproof, windproof, and breathable. GORE-TEX is the industry leader in that department, and most brands use it to give their jackets that extra layer of protection. What’s great about a three-layer system is you can remove a layer if you’re too hot and just as easily throw it back on when the temperature drops.
Here are some of our top picks for base layers, mid layers, and outer shells.
Footwear
The next item on your list should be a good pair of waterproof hiking boots. There’s nothing worse than hiking with cold, wet feet, so you’ll want to invest in boots made for hiking in the snow. These should include a thick sole, Vibram, or something similar that provides an excellent grip on wet surfaces. Insulation is a must if you want to stay warm. A waterproof treatment (GORE-TEX) is essential to stop your feet from getting wet. And like any hiking boot, you need a higher silhouette that provides ankle support without limiting mobility. For added protection, opt for a pair of gaiters or overshoes to keep snow out.
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Our top pick for hiking boots is a classic. The Renegade GTX Mid Boot has everything you need in a waterproof hiking boot. Its mid-height provides plenty of support. A GORE-TEX lining keeps the moisture out while maintaining breathability. With a Vibram sole and optimal cushioning, there are very few hikes these boots can’t handle. To top it off, they’re available in Men’s and Women’s.
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Traction Devices
There’s no telling what nature has in store for you, and those hiking trails can get icy. A pair of crampons is great because they take up very little room in your backpack, and they’re easy to throw on when you start to lose your grip on steep ascents. If you’re thinking of exploring the backcountry on a snowy day, you’ll want to pack a pair of snowshoes. Without them, you won’t get very far with snow up to your knees, and they provide additional grip.
Navigation Tools
If you’re planning on hiking a new trail, you want to prepare for the possibility that you might miss a few markers and go off course. Some markers can be hard to notice, and sometimes, there just aren’t any. While our phones are usually the go-to, their batteries don’t always agree with the cold. Your tool kit should have a backup, like a GPS device, a map of the surrounding area, and a compass. Luckily, these days, we can find all that and more in the form of a watch. Just remember to charge it the night before.
Backpack
A small day pack should do the trick if you’re going for a short afternoon hike. You’ll want a bigger pack if you plan on leaving for a long day with a potential overnight stay. Ask yourself: will you need room for extra layers? Are you packing lunch and dinner, or just a light afternoon snack? Snowshoes or crampons? Packs come in all shapes and sizes. Whatever size you choose, you’ll want a sturdy support system that will mold with your contour comfortably.
Hiking Poles
The best trekking poles will improve balance and stability when hiking in the snow. They help carry the load by transferring the weight away from your lower body. They can also help maintain an upright posture if you’ve got a heavy pack. When trekking over unfamiliar surfaces, you can also use them to check the solidity of the snow or ice in front of you. Most trekking poles are also retractable, which offers two advantages: a shorter pole will help on the ascent, and they’ll be easier to strap to your bag when you don’t need them.
Hydration & Nutrition
Besides being unpleasant, cold weather can tire you out much faster. If you’re going for an afternoon trek, you don’t want to weigh yourself down, so you’ll want snacks that pack a punch. Energy bars and dehydrated foods do a good job of filling you up without weighing you down. As you sweat your way up the mountain, your body loses a lot of water, and you want to replenish it as quickly as possible. Hydration packs are great to get in a quick sip as you go, or consider stainless steel containers and bottles, so you can also bring something hot with you to enjoy and warm up.
Safety Gear
Winter hiking is a great way to connect with nature, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. In some parts, the temperature can drop to -30 °C, and even the mildest injuries can put you in a spot of trouble. A first aid kit is essential; before you leave, double-check that it has everything. Emergency blankets take up very little room and can be a lifesaver in difficult situations. Your list of winter hiking essentials should also include headlamps, whistles, and hand and feet warmers among your basic first aid arsenal.
Top Tips for Winter Hiking
You can have the best gear in the world, but research is equally important before you decide to leave your door. Here are a few winter hiking tips to ensure a safe trek.
Check Weather Conditions
These days, we can tell what the weather will be like two Wednesdays from now, so there’s no excuse when planning your hike. In the days leading up to your hike and on the day of, check the forecast for inclement weather. If there’s a storm on the horizon, don’t be shy to postpone a day or two until things clear up.
Start Early
The days are much shorter in the winter months, and that’s something to take into consideration when planning a hike. Not only will you lose visibility when the sun sets, but the temperature is also likely to drop significantly. If you’re an early bird, it shouldn’t be a problem, but if you like to sleep in, our advice is to pack what you need the night before your hike, pour your morning dark roast into your Hydro Flask Coffee Mug, and set multiple alarms if you need to.
Stay Dry
Staying dry will also help you keep warm during the hike. If all your base layer does is absorb the sweat without wicking it away, you’ll get cold very fast. Brands like icebreaker and Smartwool have a range of Merino base layers, from lightweight tops to thick leggings, that will do a great job at managing sweat and moisture.
Hike with a Partner
Safety in numbers is the golden rule. Remember when you had a field trip buddy in third grade? The principle remains the same when it comes to winter hiking safety. Having someone with you is not only good for safety, it’s a great morale boost, and all around, more enjoyable.
Know Your Limits
No amount of equipment can replace common sense. Your body is good at giving you signs when something is up. If you’re cold, warm up. If you’re hungry, stop for a snack. If you’re thirsty, have a drink of water. Hydrate throughout the day, and throw on extra layers as needed. Hypothermia can start with minor symptoms and very quickly turn serious.
Layering Techniques
The best layers for winter hiking are layers that are properly used. You have them for a reason. If you’re sweating too much, remove your mid-layer and let your body breathe a little. If it’s a mild afternoon with clear skies and no wind, you can take off your outer shell. When it comes to packing layers, it’s better to have and not need than need and not have.
Winter Hiking Safety
All sports come with their share of risk. Hiking in the snow is no different. The rewards far outweigh the risks, but you should still come to the mountain prepared.
Avalanche Awareness
Avalanches are no joke and while they can be sudden, there are ways to calculate the risks beforehand. There are several online sources that can provide avalanche forecasts and how to understand them. In riskier areas, you’re always better off packing an avalanche kit, which should include a shovel, probe, and a transceiver. It’s a small price to pay for something that can save your life.
Trail Markers
Trail markers are there for a reason and it’s always best to stick to them. But if the snow is deep or the sun glare is strong, markers can become harder to see. In some other instances, they might altogether not be there to mark your way. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to bring along a map or a GPS with you.
Cold-Related Injuries
We’ve already discussed hypothermia, but the other big one is frostbite. It often hits the extremities (fingers, toes, nose, and ears). We already know the advantages of a good pair of waterproof hiking boots for winter, but on the coldest days, even those might not be enough. You might want to consider investing in things like toe warmers, heated gloves and mittens, or heated ski socks.
First Aid in Winter
Blisters are a common and uncomfortable injury. A good pair of hiking boots should offer plenty of ankle support, but one misstep can lead to a sprain. Having bandaids for blisters and the know-how to tape your ankle are just some of the basics that can help you get up and down the mountain safely. And you should have all this and more in your first aid kit.
FAQ
Q: How to layer clothes for winter hiking?
A: The three-layer system is your best bet: base layer, mid-layer, and a tough, lightweight outer shell.
Q: How should I dress for cold winter hiking?
A: Dress for the day. Consider all the factors: forecast, hike length, and difficulty. Comfort is another important consideration. Hiking in the snow requires a good amount of preparation. Double-check your bag when you pack. And maybe plan to leave a cozy change of clothes in the car for after the hike.
Q: How do you keep your hands warm when hiking in the winter?
A: A good pair of gloves or mittens is a must. Pack hand warmers in case the temperature drops.
Q: What is the most essential need in hiking?
A: Everything on our list is essential, but if we had to narrow it down to one tip, be prepared. Check the weather, research the trail, and pack accordingly.
Conclusion
Having the best gear for winter hiking is just part of the adventure. Knowing a few winter hiking safety tips and preparing ahead of time can help you avoid the bad and turn your winter hike into a magical experience. Now that you’ve gone through our list of winter hiking essentials, it’s time to get out there.
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